Tony iveson lancaster the biography of abraham

By Sqdn Ldr Tony Iveson DFC and Brian Milton
Published by Andre Deutsche

The Avro Lancaster was the greatest heavy bomber on any side in World War II. Dubbed ‘My Shining Sword’ by Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, it was introduced into RAF service in 1942 after two years of night bombing by the Luftwaffe had killed 43,000 people on these islands.

It carried twice the bomb load of its compatriot, the Handley Page Halifax, and was involved in all the great actions that finally turned the tide of war against Nazi Germany.

Tony Iveson started the war as a 19-year old sergeant pilot who flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain, thrown in with just 10 hours experience at the height of the battle, and shot down over the North Sea just after his 21st birthday, ditching close to a home-bound convoy.

Four years later, now a commissioned officer, he went on to complete 20 operations with the fabulous 617 Dambuster Squadron, including all three raids against the German battleship Tirpitz wher